Types of Partial Onset Epileptic Seizures

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Epilepsy is a neurological disorder
where the normal electrical activity in the brain is disturbed. Epilepsy causes
seizures. A seizure can cause a variety of symptoms and signs, including loss
of consciousness, abnormal behavior, temporary confusion, and uncontrollable
jerking movements.

According to the Mayo Clinic, one in 100 Americans may experience an unprovoked seizure in
their lifetime. These seizures are not necessarily a sign of epilepsy. Two or
more seizures, however, may be a sign of a bigger problem. Doctors often
diagnose epilepsy in patients who have had two or more unprovoked seizures.

When abnormal activity affects the whole brain and causes
an epileptic seizure, it is called a generalized seizure. If the abnormal
activity is confined to just one area of the brain, it’s known as a partial
seizure. Two categories of partial seizures exist: simple partial seizures and
complex partial seizures.

Simple Partial Seizures

A simple partial seizure typically
lasts no longer than one minute. People who experience this type of seizure do
not lose consciousness. Their seizure symptoms affect how they experience the
world and how their body works. For example, simple focal seizures may affect
how you see, taste, hear, or smell.

Simple focal seizures may also affect
your body, causing involuntary jerking in the arms or legs. People experiencing
a simple focal seizure may also feel tingling in their body, experience
unexplainable dizziness, or see flashing lights.

Doctors classify simple partial
seizures into one of four types. The type depends on the parts of the brain and
body that the seizure affects:

autonomic: This type of seizure involves the part of the brain that is
responsible for involuntary functions, including heartbeat, digestions, and
blinking.

motor: This type of seizure causes uncontrolled muscle activity, such
as a jerking movement in the arm, face, legs, or feet.

psychic: This type of seizure affects the part of the brain that
controls emotions, feelings, and memories.

sensory: This type of seizure affects your senses, including hearing,
smelling, and seeing.

Complex Partial Seizures

Complex partial seizures (sometimes
called dyscognitive focal seizures) affect a person’s cognitive abilities.
People who experience this type of seizure may lose consciousness and awareness
for a brief period of time. You may appear awake and alert to other people, but
your brain is not truly aware of what is happening.

People experiencing this type of
seizure often have a staring spell. According to the Mayo Clinic, they may also perform purposeless movements, such as rubbing
their hands, chewing, or walking in circles during the seizure.

When A Larger Seizure May Follow

According to the National Institutes of
Health, a simple partial seizure can potentially turn into a
generalized seizure. Take precautions to protect yourself from injury in the
event that you lose consciousness. Alert a colleague, friend, or family member
if you think you may have a seizure coming on. That way they can monitor you
should one occur.

Factors That Increase Epilepsy Risk

Factors that can increase your risk
for epilepsy include:

age: The onset of epilepsy typically occurs during childhood or
after age 60. However, it can develop at any age.

head injuries: Damage to your brain during an accident increases your risk.

vascular diseases: Diseases that affect the blood vessels in your brain, such as
stroke, can cause epilepsy.

brain infections: Infections that affect the brain or spinal cord, such as
meningitis, can increase your risk for epilepsy.

What Causes Epilepsy

In almost half of epilepsy cases, no
cause can be determined. In the other half, the disorder can be traced to one or
more of several factors. These include:

genes: Inherited genetic predisposition may cause epilepsy.

head trauma: An injury to the brain may cause epileptic seizures.

brain conditions. Conditions that damage the brain, such as a tumor, can cause
epilepsy.

developmental disorders: Autism and other developmental disorders may cause epilepsy.

infectious diseases: AIDS, meningitis, and viral encephalitis are three types of
infectious diseases that may contribute to epilepsy.

prenatal injury: Damage to a baby’s brain may cause seizures later in
life.

Idiopathic Partial Epilepsy

It’s not always possible to determine
why a person experiences seizures. In some cases, neither a cause nor a
contributing factor can be identified. Partial seizures with an unknown cause
are called idiopathic partial seizures. According to New York University
Langone Medical Center, researchers assume a person’s
genetic makeup causes most cases of idiopathic partial epilepsy.

How Partial Onset Epileptic Seizures
Are Treated

Unfortunately, a partial onset
seizure cannot be treated or stopped once it begins. The seizure will come to
an end. Most seizures last only a few seconds. The only way to prevent seizures
is to identify and treat the underlying cause, if one can be identified. With
treatment, people with epilepsy and seizures can live normal, healthy lives.

When It’s Time to See a Doctor

The
person experiencing the seizure may not recognize their symptoms, especially if
loss of awareness occurs. Loved ones may be the first to detect the problem. If
you believe you or a loved one have a seizure problem, make an appointment to
see your doctor. Before you go, keep a journal of all your experiences. Having
a history of your symptoms and health history can help your doctor determine if
you have epilepsy or some other condition.